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Preservationists Aim To Protect Corcoran Interior

Washington, UNITED STATES: This 28 June 2005 photo shows the Corcoran Gallery of Art near the White House in Washington, DC. The Corcoran Gallery of Art stands as a major center of American art, both historic and contemporary. Founded ?for the purpose of encouraging American Genius,? the Corcoran?s extensive collection of 18th, 19th, and 20th century American art represents most significant American artists. The Corcoran possesses a fine collection of European art as well. While continuing its efforts to represent historic American works, the gallery also encourages modern European and American artists by showing and purchasing their work, paying particular attention to artists in the Washington area. (Photo credit: KAREN BLEIER/AFP/Getty Images)

(Photo credit: KAREN BLEIER/AFP/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON (AP) — Historic preservationists are nominating the interior of the Corcoran Gallery of Art as an architectural landmark to try to protect the building as the struggling museum considers selling it.

The D.C. Preservation League announced Tuesday that it has filed paperwork to amend the Corcoran’s existing D.C. landmark designation to include its interior. The 1897 building near the White House also was designated a national landmark in 1992.

Rebecca Miller, the preservation league’s director, says the building’s 1992 designation already notes the Corcoran’s exterior and interior make it the capital’s premiere example of French Beaux-Arts architecture.

The D.C. Historic Preservation Review Board must decide on protecting the interior. A landmark designation could affect the building’s market value.

Corcoran officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment.